GPS World

Author: GPS World Staff

  • Launchpad: Nano drone, GNSS modules, survey application

    Launchpad: Nano drone, GNSS modules, survey application

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the October 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    Software

    Aids GNSS/INS installation

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    The RxLeverArm software tool aids integration of GNSS receivers that include inertial navigation systems (GNSS/INS). RxLeverArm is part of Septentrio’s RxTools software package included with every Septentrio GNSS/INS receiver. The new tool visualizes, validates and automatically calibrates the exact distance between the INS sensor and the antenna, removing the need for accurate distance measurements with complex instruments. For lever-arm compensation, users only need to measure the rough distance between the INS sensor and the main GNSS antenna reference points on the vehicle. Data is then logged under open-sky conditions, which allows the RxLeverArm tool to optimize the initial rough distance measurement and prevent common errors such as sign inversion.

    Septentrio, septentrio.com

    Testing Board

    Enables proof of concept for IoT products and applications

    Photo: u-blox
    Photo: u-blox

    The u-blox XPLR-IOT-1 IoT explorer kit is an all-in-one package to test, evaluate and validate applications for the internet of things (IoT). The board hosts an ultra-low-power MAX-M10S positioning module capable of concurrently tracking four GNSS constellations, delivering highly reliable location data. Integrating relevant u-blox technologies and services into a capable prototyping platform with a vast selection of sensors and interfaces as well as cloud connectivity, XPLR-IOT-1 makes it easier to explore the potential of IoT applications.

    u-blox, u-blox.com

    GNSS Module

    With RTK and dead reckoning

    Photo: Quectel
    Photo: Quectel

    The LC29H is a dual-band multi-constellation GNSS module built using the Airoha AG3335 platform. It is available in multiple variants and optionally integrates real-time kinematic (RTK) and dead reckoning. The LC29H series offers high performance with power efficiency to meet the market needs of high-precision positioning at the centimeter and decimeter levels. The LC29H concurrently receives and processes signals from GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS. The modules are suited to an expanding market for autonomous lawn mowers, drones, precision agriculture, micro-mobility scooters and delivery robots.

    Quectel Wireless Solutions, quectel.com

    LoRa/GNSS Board

    Equipped with u-blox tracking module

    Photo: Move-X
    Photo: Move-X

    The Cicerone LoRa/GNSS board is a high-performance, low-power, Arduino MKR-compatible development board based on the u-blox MAX-M10S GNSS module and the MAMWLE LoRa module. It delivers high-performance GNSS, long-range wireless connection, and high-performance processing in a low-power solution for optimal battery life. The board allows users to build tracking applications worldwide with meter-level accuracy and to communicate long-range, low-power data via LoRaWAN. The integrated Li-Po charging circuit enables the Cicerone board to manage battery charging through the USB port. It has a compact 63 mm x 25 mm form factor and is compatible with all Arduino MKR shield boards. These boards all share a common pinout to enable developers to easily add expansions with minimal software changes.

    Move-X, move-x.it

    GNSS Module

    New platforms improve positioning for wearables

    Photo: Qualcomm
    Photo: Qualcomm

    The Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and W5+ Gen 1 platforms are designed to advance ultra-low power and breakthrough performance for next-generation connected wearables with a focus on extended battery life and premium user experiences. They incorporate innovations including low power islands for GNSS, Wi-Fi and audio; ultra-low power Bluetooth 5.3 architecture; and low power states such as Deep Sleep and Hibernate. New enhancements to the flagship Snapdragon W5+ platform offer 50% lower power, 2x higher performance, 2x richer features, and 30% smaller size, compared to the previous generation. The purpose-built platform is comprised of a 4 nm-based system-on-chip and 22 nm-based highly integrated always-on co-processor. By using these platforms, manufacturers can scale, differentiate and develop products faster in the continuously growing and segmenting wearables industry, Qualcomm said. Qualcomm also announced two reference designs from Compal and Pegatron, which showcase the capabilities of the platform and the company’s collaboration with ecosystem partners, helping customers develop products faster.

    Qualcomm Technologies, qualcomm.com

    SURVEYING

    GNSS Receiver

    Dual cameras enable vision RTK surveying

    Photo: Hi-Target
    Photo: Hi-Target

    The pocket-sized vRTK GNSS real-time-kinematic (RTK) receiver is equipped with dual cameras to enable non-contact image surveying. It also has a nine-axis IMU module with auto installation for tilt surveying. Visual positioning technology combines imagery with high-precision positioning equipment, allowing users to obtain the location of the target from a distance. The Live View Stakeout function improves stakeout speed, while non-contact measurement greatly improves the usable range of GNSS. The vRTK receives 1,408 channels (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS, IRNSS and SBAS). A new generation of GNSS engine supports the new frequency points B1C, B2a and B2b RTK decoding of BeiDou-3 satellites.

    Hi-Target, en.hi-target.com.cn

    Compact Receiver

    Smart antenna for field work

    Photo: Geneq
    Photo: Geneq

    The SXblue SMART features an engine capable of tracking all-in-view GNSS signals, with interference mitigation and optimization for handling a wide frequency band. Weighing 850 g including battery, the SXblue SMART is compact and rugged. Its radio link is based on the Farlink protocol that allows a range of up to 8 km while reserving a wide bandwidth for transmission of real-time kinematic (RTK) data. In addition to a tilt sensor for measurements in hard-to-reach places, the SXblue SMART features a high-performance attitude measurement module that can detect and measure movement of the device. Also integrated are an inertial measurement unit and a thermometer for monitoring and controlling its internal temperature.

    Geneq, geneq.com

    Post-processing

    For Windows and Mac users

    Photo: Emlid
    Photo: Emlid

    Emlid Studio is a new post-processed kinematic (PPK) application designed specifically for post-processing GNSS data. It allows users to convert raw GNSS logs into RINEX, post-process static and kinematic data, geotag images from drones (including DJI brand), and extract points from survey projects completed with Emlid’s ReachView 3 app. With Emlid Studio, users can post-process data recorded with Emlid Reach receivers and other GNSS receivers or NTRIP services. Post-processing requires RINEX observation and navigation files. Raw data in UBX and RTCM3 format also can be used through conversion.

    Emlid, emlid.com

    GNSS Receiver

    Integrated receiver and antenna for portability

    Photo: SingularXYZ
    Photo: SingularXYZ

    The P1 GNSS receiver has a high-precision module that tracks GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS to deliver centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) accuracy even in harsh environments. It is also equipped with an anti-jamming and anti-spoofing algorithm. The P1 GNSS receiver has integrated the GNSS module and GNSS antenna while keeping the device as small as a smartphone, which makes it portable enough to be worn around the neck or placed in a pocket. With 4G/Bluetooth communication, the P1 supports real-time positioning data transmission, providing users with a stable correction data steam and positioning data uploads. The P1 also can be mounted on a pole.

    SingularXYZ, singularxyz.com

    Smartphone App

    Updates include vector map import

    Photo: Tersus GNSS
    Photo: Tersus GNSS

    Nuwa surveying smartphone app version 2.3.3.2 has vector map import and digital surface stakeout. The Nuwa app runs on Android and is reliable and easy to operate. It has rich and powerful functions that can help surveyors complete measurements more efficiently and accurately. The app is designed to work with the David and Oscar GNSS receivers from Tersus GNSS, plus other receivers that support NMEA-0183. Features include the ability to configure base, rover and static surveys; graphical interface with background map (online/import); CAD stakeout, road stakeout and earthwork; data management (import/export multiple formats); and Bluetooth and USB connection support.

    Tersus GNSS, tersus-gnss.com

    Survey Application

    Now supports Web Maps and multi-part geometries

    Photo: 1Spatial
    Photo: 1Spatial

    Version 3.2 of the survey application 1Edit allows the use of Web Maps (WMS) to be used as background layers, making it easier for surveyors to identify assets and changes in context. It provides easier configuration of background maps and supports hybrid working practices for surveyors. Where offline background maps are required, 1Edit supports multiple raster files and handles large image files, providing visual context for geospatial data when there is no data signal. Enhanced support for complex geometries increases efficiency as features with multiple parts share common attributes and IDs.

    1Spatial, 1spatial.com

    MAPPING

    US Address Plug-In

    Provides geocoding accuracy of 95%

    Photo: Smarty
    Photo: Smarty

    The Smarty U.S. Geocoding QGIS Plugin provides an easy way for users of the software platform to validate, standardize, and convert addresses to their latitude and longitude coordinates (geocodes). The plugin allows manual address entry as well as batch geocoding via CSV. It features a 95% match rate with the actual rooftop and parcel, as well as providing sub-address geocoding that can match secondary addresses such as apartment units and office-suite rooftops in building. The free plugin also includes supplemental metadata useful for many geographic information system (GIS) purposes.

    Smarty, smarty.com

    GIS Location Data

    Datasets for the United States, UK, Canada, Australia and Europe

    Photo: Maptitude
    Photo: Maptitude

    Maptitude 2022 is a major release of the geographic information system (GIS) and mapping software. It includes up-to-date, accurate data encompassing expenditure, geodemographic segments, gross domestic product, medical and banking locations, branded business locations, traffic counts, building footprints, address points and financial assets, as well as the tools to leverage this information to improve the location intelligence of organizations in markets such as healthcare, franchising, communications, logistics, retail, real estate and banking.

    Maptitude, maptitude.com

    Rugged Tablet

    For mapping and data collection

    Photo: Juniper Systems
    Photo: Juniper Systems

    The Mesa Pro rugged tablet features 11th-generation Intel Core processors, a Windows 11 operating system, device customization options, a large sunlight-readable display and the “Juniper Rugged” company design. Standard Mesa Pro units come with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 16 GB of LPDDR4x RAM. Core i7 and Celeron versions are also available. Each Mesa Pro configuration offers powerful performance and allows users to select the computing performance that fits their needs and budgets.

    Juniper Systems, junipersys.com

     

    AUTONOMOUS

    Airspace Management

    Data fusion across multiple data sources, including ADS-B

    Photo: Vigilant Aerospace
    Photo: Vigilant Aerospace

    FlightHorizon COMMANDER is a situational awareness and safety system for UAV airspace management. The system provides airspace managers with either a 2D or 3D view of all aircraft in the selected airspace using a combination of sensors and data sources to create an airspace safety picture for pilots, airspace managers and command centers. The system is based on an exclusively licensed NASA patent and prototype that has been used in extensive flight testing. FlightHorizon COMMANDER functions as a visualization tool for airspace management, an active situational awareness tool, and a detect-and-avoid system that enables unmanned aircraft to avoid other aircraft and keeps drone pilots and airspace managers aware of the location and air traffic around their UAS and in their airspace.

    Vigilant Aerospace, vigilantaerospace.com

    Heavy Lift Drone

    Supports both automated and manual operations

    Photo: Draganfly
    Photo: Draganfly

    The Draganfly Heavy Lift Drone is a versatile, multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle designed to enhance deliveries and flight times. Compatible with a variety of interchangeable payloads, the heavy-duty drone can carry more and fly longer than the typical professional drone. It has a payload/cargo-lift capacity of 30 kg (67 lbs) and up to 55 minutes of flight time. The industrial UAV handles heavy winds and high elevations with ease. Its lifting capacity permits flexibility in carrying large high-end sensors such as hyperspectral and bathymetric lidar to conduct large-area surveys.

    Draganfly, draganfly.com

    Infrared Camera Module

    Allows rapid MWIR integration for commercial, industrial and defense applications

    Photo: Teledyne FLIR
    Photo: Teledyne FLIR

    Part of the Neutrino IS series, the Neutrino LC CZ 15-300 is a new mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) camera module with integrated continuous zoom lenses. Designed for integrated solutions requiring crisp, long-range MWIR imaging, the camera offers size, weight, power and cost (SWaP+C) benefits to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators for airborne, unmanned, C-UAS, security and targeting applications. The LC CZ 15-300 offers high performance, 640 x 512 high-definition MWIR imagery and 15 mm to 300 mm zoom capability for ruggedized products requiring long life, low power consumption and quiet, low-vibration operation. The camera module and lens are designed for each other, providing optimal performance.

    Teledyne FLIR, flir.com

    Nano Drone

    Flies like a hummingbird

    Photo: Aselsan
    Photo: Aselsan

    A miniature drone with flapping wings was demonstrated at the Teknofest Black Sea aviation and defense industry event, which took place Aug. 30 to Sept. 4 at the Samsun Çarşamba Airport. With its low detectability, the nano drone is being developed to perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It is still in research and development.

    Aselsan, aselsan.com.tr

    TRANSPORTATION

    Lidar Transceiver

    Enables machine vision at highway speeds

    Photo: SiLC Technologies
    Photo: SiLC Technologies

    The Eyeonic Vision Sensor can perceive, identify and avoid objects at a range of more than 1 kilometer. The sensor is a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) lidar transceiver that uses a silicon photonic chip. Long-range visibility is a requirement for autonomous vehicles, which require sufficient awareness to evade obstacles at highway speeds. This capability requires vision sensors to provide millimeter-level accuracy and depth at instantaneous velocity. The highly detailed and ultra-long-range information from the Eyeonic Vision Sensor enables robots to classify and predict their environments. The sensor is designed to be integrated into autonomous vehicles, security solutions and industrial robots.

    SiLC Technologies, silc.com

    Vehicle Computer

    For fully connected buses, trucks and trains

    Photo: Nexcom
    Photo: Nexcom

    The nROK 1030 is a compact, rugged entry-level vehicle computer with an advanced GNSS receiver. The u-blox NEO-M9N module supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS signals. An Intel Atom x6211E dual-core processor 1.3 GHz/3 GHz (burst) is designed for harsh in-train environments. Its fanless, compact design is suitable for vehicles with limited space. The nROK 1030 has onboard CAN 2.0B for vehicle diagnostics and driver behavior management. WLAN Wi-Fi 6/6E/Wi-Fi 5 and WWAN 5G NR/LTE wireless data connectivity is optional. The nROK 1030 is flexible to meet the demands of various rolling-stock applications, such as wireless gateway, infotainment and digital radio data/voice transmission systems.

    Nexcom, nexcom.com

  • ION ITM/PTTI 2023 abstracts due October 7

    ION ITM/PTTI 2023 abstracts due October 7

    Logo: IONAbstracts for ION ITM/PTTI 2023 are due Friday, October 7.

    Submit your abstract for the Institute of Navigation’s (ION) combined International Technical Meeting (ITM) and the Precise Time and Time Interval (PTTI) Systems and Applications Meeting 2023. The co-located conferences will take place January 23-26 at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Long Beach, California. Both in-person and virtual presentation options will be available.

    The International Technical Meeting (ITM), is is the ION’s winter meeting, with technical papers related to positioning, navigation and timing and includes the ION Fellows and Annual Awards presentations.

    The Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications (PTTI) meeting is an annual conference sponsored by ION with a technical program designed to disseminate and coordinate PTTI information at the user level, review present and future PTTI requirements, inform government and industry engineers, technicians, and managers of precise time and frequency technology and its problems, and provide an opportunity for an active exchange of new technology associated with PTTI.

  • Space Tech Expo Europe to showcase industry trends

    Space Tech Expo Europe to showcase industry trends

    Space Tech Expo Europe will make its return to Bremen, Germany November 15-17.  The full agenda has been released, detailing the speakers, sessions and pressing topics that will help to shape the future of a thriving space industry.

    Space Tech Expo Europe provides attendees with fundamental knowledge on current industry trends, challenges, and opportunities in unmissable discussions from technical-level experts from across the supply chain. The expo boasts over 100 speakers, over 450 exhibitors and three separate conferences over three days.

    Conferences

    The Industry Conference at Space Tech Expo Europe provides audiences with critical insights into the latest updates and key trends happening in the European (and beyond) space sector, aiming to help shape the future of our thriving industry.

    Sessions taking place at the Industry Conference will shed light on the sector’s most pressing matters, including industry developments, investment, space exploration, launch, digitalization, the in-space supply chain, space sustainability, and much more.

    The Smallsats Conference at Space Tech Expo Europe enables the small satellite community to meet and explore the most exciting developments in the market. Here, the upstream small satellite technology providers, downstream service providers and end-users come together to address the sector’s biggest trends. Topics will include launch and propulsion, increasing satellite manufacturing capabilities, standardization, exploring downstream applications of remote sensing data, creating actionable data insights, and space cyber security.

    The Mobility Connectivity Conference at Space Tech Expo Europe bridges the gap between merchant shipping, cruise shipping and commercial aviation’s connectivity requirements, and the technical solutions satellite operators, service providers and ground network providers can now offer through a developing and maturing space and ground technology infrastructure.

    Topics include passenger expectations following the pandemic, crew welfare optimization through advanced communication systems, high-data transfer in remote areas, optimized terminals and antennas, hybrid network solutions and advanced onboard communication technology.

    The full agenda for all conferences can be found at https://www.spacetechexpo-europe.com/conference/conference-agenda.

    Registration is still open for the event. To attend Europe’s largest exhibition and conference for the aerospace industry visit https://www.spacetechexpo-europe.com/register-now.

  • APNT/Space team aims to advance navigation capabilities

    APNT/Space team aims to advance navigation capabilities

    APNT/Space modernization gives U.S. Army a clearer view of multi-domain battlefield

    U.S. Army soldiers experiment with new assured PNTT/space equipment during the 2021 PNT Assessment Exercise at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. (Photo: U.S. Army/Austin Thomas, Army Futures Command)
    U.S. Army soldiers experiment with new assured PNTT/space equipment during the 2021 PNT Assessment Exercise at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. (Photo: U.S. Army/Austin Thomas, Army Futures Command)

    News from U.S. Army Futures Command

    The Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing/Space Cross-Functional Team — APNT/Space CFT — takes a multi-dimensional approach to understanding and preparing for future warfare.

    The team — based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama — is dedicated to advancing the Army’s tactical and navigational capabilities and ensuring tomorrow’s soldiers  have the modern situational tools they need to maneuver with the utmost accuracy, safety and skill.

    The CFT is making significant progress toward this goal by leveraging iterative developments, remaining open to new technologies and committing to continuously evolving PNT equipment and systems to meet changing threats and needs.

    “Our cross-functional team will continue to assess and strengthen the future of our operational environments, emerging threats and technologies to ensure our Army is prepared for 2030 and beyond. We will continue to support the requirement development and delivery of trusted solutions to the soldier,” said Michael C. Monteleone III, director of the APNT/Space CFT, reiterating the team’s focus on nimbly and steadfastly enabling the success of future warfighters.

    According to Army planners, the likelihood of future operations spanning diverse domains — air, land, sea, space, cyberspace and the electromagnetic spectrum — means soldiers will need more flexible and far-ranging resources to inform their movements and operations.

    To facilitate this, the APNT/Space CFT conducts rigorous field experimentation and prototype assessment and drafts detailed requirements for state-of-the-art materiel solutions, which the Army can then further develop and employ to improve information gathering and data precision without disrupting or adding extra burden to soldier operations.

    Experimentation for APNT/Space happens on the ground and in the air, including along the electromagnetic spectrum — sometimes referred to as the “invisible battlefield” — and in the low Earth orbit of space.

    Within these frequently interwoven domains, the APNT/Space CFT investigates alternative GPS capabilities and other navigation resources already in use, while also evaluating how to best integrate new anti-jamming functions, electronic support, inertial navigation systems and vision-based navigation platforms.

    The CFT coordinates regularly with industry, joint partners and other government agencies to identify and explore solutions that are modular, scalable and an excellent fit for multiple platforms, as well as the upgrades and adjustments that occur to equipment and systems over time.

    Modern PNT tools being developed and fielded include mounted, dismounted and alternative navigation systems, situational awareness devices, and next-generation sensors that allow for optimum flexibility and performance against threats.

    Within the realm of space, the CFT is shaping a strategy to provide survivable, responsive and resilient intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and communications capabilities in low Earth orbit, complete with the ability to share information rapidly and securely with tactical commanders on the ground.

    The team’s experts are also focused on understanding and preparing for the future of navigation warfare, or NAVWAR, which will require sophisticated offensive and defensive systems to produce tactical advantages and enable overmatch. To encourage synchronization of efforts on this front, the CFT is working closely with Army partners to draft an overarching NAVWAR strategy that aligns with U.S. Department of Defense NAVWAR plans but is also tailored to unique Army needs.

    By studying and preparing for multi-domain operations and experimenting with the newest technologies available, the APNT/Space CFT is playing an integral role in helping the Army to equip soldiers with more mobile, scalable and interoperable navigation devices, in turn strengthening the agility of the future force.

  • Launchpad: handheld mapping, excavator guidance, cesium clock

    Launchpad: handheld mapping, excavator guidance, cesium clock

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the September 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    Receiver Upgrade

    OSNMA anti-spoofing tech now on PolaRx5 GNSS reference receivers

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) is now available on the high-end PolaRx5 reference receiver series. OSNMA offers end-to-end authentication on Galileo’s civilian signals, protecting receivers from GNSS spoofing attacks. OSNMA adds another layer of security to the receivers’ existing AIM+ anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology. The PolaRx5 product range also now supports RINEX format versions 3.05 and 4.0.

    Septentrio, septentrio.com

    Anti-Jam Antennas

    Developed with the United States military

    Photo: Mayflower Communications
    Photo: Mayflower Communications

    The MAGNA-F and MAGNA-I GPS anti-jam antennas provide simultaneous L1/L2 protection and can protect commercial and military GPS receivers on aircraft. The MAGNA products were developed with sponsorship by the U.S. Navy and further improved by the U.S. Army to support GPS protection requirements for air, sea and ground platforms, such as fixed-wing/rotary aircraft, ships, UAVs and tactical vehicles. The MAGNA-F uses a 3.5-inch-diameter controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) compatible with existing fixed radiation pattern antenna (FRPA) footprints. The MAGNA-I (NavGuard 730) is a high-performance yet small GPS anti-jam integrated solution with a 4.5-inch diameter FRPA-compatible footprint.

    Mayflower Communications, mayflowercom.com

    Single-board computer

    Centimeter-level GNSS for mass-market applications

    Photo: ArduSimple
    Photo: ArduSimple

    The SimpleRTK2B single-board computer (SBC) is built around up to three u-blox ZED-F9P high-precision GNSS receivers. It simplifies development of centimeter-level positioning solutions supporting real-time kinematics (RTK), making the technology accessible to broader audiences. The SimpleRTK2B-SBC was developed to make RTK technology as close to plug-and-play as possible. In addition to working as a stand-alone solution, customers can program their own applications with the company’s microPython API. The SimpleRTK2B-SBC delivers mechanical integration with centimeter position on three axes (heading, pitch and roll), outputting on NMEA, RTCM, RS232 and CANBus interfaces via Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 2G/3G/4G communication. It offers configurable input/output and an inertial measurement unit.

    u-blox, u-blox.com; ArduSimple, ardusimple.com

    Optical cesium clock

    For assured positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)

    Photo: ADVA
    Photo: ADVA

    The OSA 3300-HP is a high-performance optical cesium clock with a 10-year lifetime compared to the five-year lifetimes of high-performance magnetic clocks. It provides the resilience required for PNT assurance in critical infrastructure and empowers service providers to deliver differentiated service-level-agreement timing offerings with integrated GNSS backup. The OSA 3300-HP has embedded Ethernet- and IP-based management as well as a user-friendly touchscreen graphical user interface.

    ADVA, adva.com

    Vehicle Navigation System

    With M-Code capabilities and upgrade paths for other GNSS systems

    Photo: Collins Aerospace
    Photo: Collins Aerospace

    NavHub-200M is a vehicle navigation system for the international market with military code (M-code) receiver capabilities. NavHub-200M provides assured positioning, navigation and timing (APNT) while improving overall resistance to threats to GPS, such as jamming and spoofing. Its message formats and signal modulation techniques ensure faster and more accurate performance for ground vehicles on the connected battlespace, while advanced security features prevent unauthorized access or exploitation. NavHub-200M also includes the open interface standards and sensor-fusion capabilities required for a GNSS upgrade path, such as that for Europe’s Galileo constellation, as well as the ability to interface with key vehicle sensors such as the inertial measurement unit (IMU) and odometer.

    Collins Aerospace, collinsaerospace.com

    MAPPING

    Mapping Handheld

    High-performance data collector

    Photo: Trimble
    Photo: Trimble

    The Trimble TDC650 handheld is built for data collection, inspection and asset management activities. The rugged solution provides scalable high-accuracy GNSS positioning for professional field workflows, including apps such as Esri ArcGIS Field Maps and Trimble TerraFlex software. The TDC650 is scalable, allowing customers to choose their desired accuracy down to the centimeter level.

    Trimble, trimble.com

    Lidar Scanner

    Powerful solution for manned and unmanned aircraft

    Photo: YellowScan
    Photo: YellowScan

    The Voyager long-range lidar scanner has a wide field of view, with all points collected oriented toward the ground so there is no loss of points. In all, 1.5 million points per second will be usable. Voyager combines a Riegl VUX-120 laser scanner with a Trimble Applanix AP+ 50 AIR or Applanix AP+ 30 AIR GNSS-inertial board, providing a precision of 0.5 cm and an accuracy of 1 cm. Voyager’s detection and processing of up to 15 target echoes per laser pulse allows for excellent vegetation penetration. It has an extremely fast data-acquisition rate of up to 1,800 kHz, suitable for projects requiring the highest point density. The laser scanner’s specifications can be customized and can be combined with YellowScan’s software solutions.

    YellowScan, yellowscan-lidar.com

    ArcGIS Pro Add-In

    Extends 3D Tiles Next workflow into Esri ArcGIS Pro

    Photo: ArcGIS
    Photo: ArcGIS

    The 3D Environments Add-In application for Esri ArcGIS Pro allows ArcGIS users to rapidly transform 3D Tiles Next data formats, such as One World Terrain, into ArcGIS Pro projects to create 3D scenes from 2D vector data and 3D models. The add-in leverages Presagis’ building templates and texture libraries that analysts use to create enhanced 3D visualizations of GIS environments, helping increase collaboration across the enterprise. The 3D Environments Add-In contains tools to create, transform and extract a wide variety of 3D formats to provide seamless interoperability between ArcGIS Pro and modeling and simulation applications. It is available on the Esri ArcGIS Marketplace.

    Presagis, presagis.com

    Cloud-Based GIS

    Energy performance data helps tackle climate change

    Photo: XMAP
    Photo: XMAP

    Municipal geographic information system XMAP can now incorporate the energy-performance ratings of individual properties to help local authorities tackle climate change, improve housing standards, and ensure landlords comply with legislation. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) data layer uses a rating system similar to the one used on new appliances, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). It allows tenants and house buyers to make informed decisions. In addition to a color-coded visualization of current ratings, the XMAP EPC layer contains enhanced analysis including generalized ratings and the potential for improvement. Bath and North East Somerset Council, UK (pictured), has embraced this resource and is looking at how the data can be used to raise housing standards.

    XMAP, xmap.geoxphere.com

    Caged Drone

    For mapping and inspection in dangerous areas

    Photo: Flyability
    Photo: Flyability

    The Elios 3 is a collision-tolerant drone equipped with a lidar sensor for indoor 3D mapping. The drone is powered by a new SLAM engine called FlyAware that lets it create 3D models as it flies. It also hosts a new version of Flyability’s software for inspectors, Inspector 4.0. The Elios 3 comes with an Ouster OS0-32 lidar sensor, allowing inspectors to collect data for the creation of survey-grade 3D models using Connect software from Flyability’s partner GeoSLAM. Protected by a cage, the Elios 3 has advanced collision-tolerance features that allow inspectors to fly it inside dangerous confined spaces such as boilers, pressure vessels and mines.

    Flyability, flyability.com

    SURVEYING

    Data Collector

    Ergonomic yet rugged for fieldwork

    Photo: ComNav
    Photo: ComNav

    The R60 is a powerful handheld with an ergonomic design. It runs on Android 12 OS, providing a suitable workhorse for surveying professionals in the field. Survey Master field software works seamlessly on the R60, which features a Qualcomm 8-core processor for massive data processing. Its 64-GB memory allows ample data storage and enables the opening of CAD drawings in seconds. Other features include a QWERTY keyboard, a 5.5-inch sunlight-readable high-resolution screen, an IP67 rating (dustproof and waterproof), and a 9,000 mA Li-ion battery for more than 30 hours of continuous functioning.

    ComNav Technology, comnavtech.com

    Base Station

    Mobile station provides cm positioning

    Photo: HYFIX
    Photo: HYFIX

    The Mobile Centimeter (MobileCM) Space Weather Station is a ready-to-use GNSS device that will act as a real-time kinematic (RTK) base station and collect space weather data. The device is pre-configured to securely connect with the Global Earth Observation Decentralized Network (GEODNET) using a home Wi-Fi network. The full four-constellation GNSS base station has built-in NTRIP server functionality and is packaged with a survey-grade triple-band roof antenna and required cables.

    HYFIX, hyfix.ai

    MACHINE CONTROL

    Guidance System

    Upgradeable for precision agriculture

    Photo: SingularXYZ
    Photo: SingularXYZ

    The SAgro10 GNSS guidance system is an entry-level guidance system for precision agriculture, providing users with higher navigation precision and higher productivity, which can be upgraded to an automatic steering system. Embedded with a high-precision GNSS module, the SAgro10 system tracks all four global constellations. For users with network coverage or a UHF base station, the system provides centimeter-level accuracy navigation in real-time kinematic mode. In the absence of base stations, the SAgro10 system provides sub-meter navigation accuracy in single-point smoothing mode. Compatible with most agricultural tractors, its components can be installed within 15 minutes. The 10-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen has a clear and simple graphic interface.

    SingularXYZ, singularxyz.com

    Excavator Guidance

    Brings 3D mapping to small sites

    Photo: iDig
    Photo: iDig

    iDig 3D Connect is a solar-powered excavator guidance system with a GNSS receiver that can be removed and used as a rover, rather than permanently installed on the machine. 3D excavator guidance has seldom been used for small projects such as house foundations because of the need for a surveyor to stake out points and map a site. The removable receiver enables contractors to complete these tasks. The software provided creates a GNSS-generated site map, enabling precision digging relative to the area and making the process quicker, simpler and more eco-friendly than with 2D.

    iDig, idig-system.com

    MOBILE

    Asset Tracking

    Cloud-based service uses GNSS and Wi-Fi

    Photo: onurdongel/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty images
    Photo: onurdongel/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty images

    The Cloud Locator service takes data from LoRa Edge-enabled devices and uses Semtech’s LoRa Cloud Geolocation and Modem services for asset tracking both indoors and outdoors. It features built-in serverless technology and enables testing of ultra-low-power asset tracking on either a private or public LoRaWAN network. It is designed to work with trackers using Semtech’s LoRa Edge LR-series chips. The LR-series chips combine Wi-Fi and GNSS to obtain the latitude and longitude of devices in any indoor or outdoor location. Once configured on the service, together with Semtech’s LoRa wireless radio frequency technology for transmission to the cloud, customers can view the tracker location on a map in less than 15 minutes.

    Semtech, semtech.com & locator.loracloud.com

    Bike Computer

    Features multi-band GNSS receiver

    Photo: Garmin
    Photo: Garmin

    The Edge 1040 bike computer features solar charging and multi-band GNSS technology. Its multi-band GNSS receiver (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) provides accurate positioning in challenging ride environments, such as dense urban areas or under deep tree cover. Advanced navigational tools help cyclists stay on track, such as turn-by-turn navigation and alerts that notify riders of sharp curves ahead. Route guidance and off-course notifications can be paused for exploring and turned back on for return to the original route. When using the Trailforks app, Forksight mode automatically displays upcoming forks in the route and where a rider is within a trail network.

    Garmin, garmin.com

    SIMULATORS

    Simulator Upgrade

    Features advanced hardware-in-the-loop testing

    Photo: Orolia
    Photo: Orolia

    Skydel 22.5 is a significant software upgrade to the Skydel simulation product line. It features advanced hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing solutions providing very low to zero effective latency. Enhanced visualization tools can monitor internal latency through real-time curves showing when the data is generated and sent to the RF signal. Users can also review the transmission of HIL packets for optimizing the entire network’s latency, checking its stability (jitter), and that data is available and used at the right time in Skydel. HIL testing is an essential step in the verification process of the model-based design approach because it involves all the hardware and software that will be used operationally.

    Orolia, orolia.com

    Synchronizer and Simulator

    Contained in an easily deployable suitcase

    Photo: Focus Telecom
    Photo: Focus Telecom

    The Time-Loader is designed for defense and mission-critical applications, for deployment in environments where GNSS signals are denied or disrupted. It supports any ground, naval or airborne system that needs real time of day (TOD) and 1PPS external synchronization aligned to the UTC or GNSS. It generates a GPS L1 C/A code RF output as if the signal were coming from a live-sky GPS antenna. It provides full-constellation GPS output and is compatible with external GNSS receivers. Its GPS-disciplined oscillator (GPSDO) is the Microsemi MAC-SA53/55, which provides excellent UTC accuracy with outstanding hold-over rubidium clock performance. A self-contained, miniature GPS simulator provides real-time extremely accurate signals. The 18-channel full-constellation simulator stores location/time/date data in internal memory and stores complex vector data to simulate dynamic scenarios. The simulator also can be used to transcode NMEA or SCPI position/ velocity/time (PVT) data into GPS RF signals.

    Focus Telecom, focus-telecom.com

  • Launchpad: GNSS modules, 3D scanning, parking assistance

    Launchpad: GNSS modules, 3D scanning, parking assistance

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the August 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    Receiver Module

    Designed for autonomous applications

    Photo: Trimble
    Photo: Trimble

    The Trimble BD9250 dual-frequency receiver module supports Trimble RTX correction services and is designed to deliver high-accuracy positioning for high-volume, autonomous-ready applications in agriculture, construction, robotics and logistics. The compact receiver has an industry-standard form factor and pinout, allowing for easy system integration and configuration. Equipped with Trimble’s advanced ProPoint positioning engine, the BD9250 delivers robust and accurate positioning. It is compatible with Trimble RTX correction services or real-time kinematic (RTK) and supports GPS, Galileo, GLONASS and BeiDou as well as QZSS and NavIC. Support for the Indian NavIC S-Band signal is also available.

    Trimble, trimble.com

    GNSS Receiver

    For construction, mining and machine control

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    The AsteRx-U3 ruggedized GNSS receiver is the successor to the AsteRx-U for construction, mining and other machine control applications. It combines a triple-band precise positioning GNSS core with extended wireless communication features including Wi-Fi, UHF and 4G LTE, making it easy to fit it into any control system. The AsteRx-U3 offers low latency of under 10 msec with a high data rate, which allows machines to work rapidly and accurately. An IP68-rated housing, with fixing brackets and robust M12 connectors, enables quick installation.

    Septentrio, septentrio.com

    GNSS Module

    Incorporates MediaTek flash chip

    Photo: Antenova
    Photo: Antenova

    The M20071 integrated GNSS receiver module, measuring 9 x 9 x 1.8 mm, incorporates the MediaTek AG3335MN flash chip. The receiver tracks four GNSS constellations concurrently (GPS + Galileo + GLONASS + BeiDou). The 1.8-volt system power supply provides outstanding low power consumption. Its multipath algorithms improve position accuracy in inner-city environments. The onboard low noise amplifier provides good performance in weak signal environments such as wearable devices.

    Antenova, antenova.com; MediaTek, mediatek.com

    M-Code Receiver

    For guided weapons and other small applications

    Photo: BAE Systems
    Photo: BAE Systems

    The Strategic Anti-jam Beamforming Receiver – M-Code (SABR-M) enables precise geolocation and strike capabilities in highly contested battlespaces. It integrates receiver technology with advanced antenna electronics in a small, hardened package designed to meet challenging performance requirements. It delivers accurate position, velocity, altitude and timing data, as well as strong protection against GPS signal jamming and spoofing. At 4.5 x 6 x 1 inches, the SABR-M meets size, weight, power, cost (SWaP-C) and thermal requirements for space-constrained military applications. It uses advanced beamforming technology to improve GPS signal reception and counter threat signals.

    BAE Systems, baesystems.com

    TIMING

    Anti-Jamming Kit

    Protects against timing threats

    Photo: Focus Telecom
    Photo: Focus Telecom

    The GPS Resilient Kit (GRK) is a cybersecurity device that comes with two antennas for monitoring and protecting time-critical infrastructures. It can be integrated with any GNSS receiver, either as a retrofit or in greenfield deployment. The GRK features a proprietary interference filtering algorithm for maximum protection, up to 40-dB attenuation of jamming signals with the premium option. It requires minimal power consumption while providing cloud-based monitoring with real-time reporting of jamming attacks. It protects GPS L1 (C/A code) with a latency of 100 ns ±15 ns (fixed).

    Focus Telecom, www.pnt-security.com

    GNSS Backup

    GBaaS enables providers to combat PNT cyberattacks

    Photo: ADVA
    Photo: ADVA

    GNSS-backup-as-a-service (GBaaS) enables service providers to help operators safeguard services that rely on positioning, navigation and timing (PNT). In-network timing based on network time protocols (NTP) and precision time protocols (PTP) are also increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. GBaas is based on ADVA’s aPNT+ platform, which leverages a suite of technologies, including multi-band GNSS receivers and management software based on artificial intelligence and machine-learning. Service providers can offer ADVA’s aPNT+ protection as a subscription-based service as part of their service-level agreements.

    ADVA, adva.com

    SURVEYING

    GNSS Receiver

    Can be used as base station or rover

    Photo: CHC Navigation
    Photo: CHC Navigation

    The i73+ pocket-sized receiver is a powerful and versatile receiver with an integrated UHF modem that delivers survey-grade accuracy in all jobsite configurations. It has 624 GNSS channels and the latest iStar technology and can be operated as either a base station or a rover. The i73+ is a highly productive NTRIP rover when used with a handheld controller or tablet and connected to a GNSS RTK network via CHCNAV LandStar field software. The receiver takes advantage of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou, in particular the latest BeiDou 3 signal, to provide robust data quality at all times.

    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    GNSS Receiver

    Flexible accuracy-level options

    Photo: Juniper Systems
    Photo: Juniper Systems

    The Geode GNS3 GNSS receiver allows users to collect real-time GNSS data with sub-meter, sub-foot and decimeter accuracy options. With a scalable accuracy platform, users can purchase what they need now, while having the option to increase accuracy in the future. It offers sub-meter accuracy with a single-frequency antenna, while its multi-frequency antenna supports all constellations on L1, L2 and L5. Atlas L-band corrections allow the Geode to be used in water utility locating, agriculture and irrigation mapping, as well as mapping projects in remote locations where other correction services are not available. The Geode GNS3 can be used with Windows, Android, iPhone and iPad devices.

    Juniper Systems, junipersys.com

    MAPPING

    4K Attachment

    Improved colorization to contextualize point clouds

    Photo: GeoSLAM
    Photo: GeoSLAM

    The ZEB Vision is a camera accessory for the ZEB Horizon system that can be used to capture 360° panoramic photography in 4K definition for point cloud colorization. Data is captured as the user walks through the area of interest. The ZEB Vision uses GeoSLAM’s SLAM algorithm to automatically and accurately position panoramic photos on a point cloud for an interactive viewing experience. The ZEB Vision attaches easily to the ZEB Horizon. The 4K resolution increases feature definition of objects within the point cloud, allowing for a new perspective on data by navigating within a virtual representation of an environment. This means industries such as architecture, construction and facilities can add real-world context to point clouds for the creation of CAD/BIM models.

    GeoSLAM, geoslam.com

    Lidar sensor

    Improves bathymetric lidar surveys

    Photo: Leica Geosystems
    Photo: Leica Geosystems

    The Leica Chiroptera-5 is a high-performance airborne bathymetric lidar sensor for coastal and inland water surveys. It combines airborne bathymetric and topographic lidar sensors with a four-band camera to collect seamless data from the seabed to land. Compared to previous models, the Chiroptera-5 provides 40% higher point density, a 20% increase in water-depth penetration, and improved topographic sensitivity for generating more detailed hydrographic maps. Its high-resolution lidar data supports nautical charting, coastal infrastructure planning, environmental monitoring and landslide and erosion risk assessments.

    Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com

    Visualization Software

    For field data capture and collaboration

    Photo: Clirio
    Photo: Clirio

    The Clirio application combines mobile lidar 3D scanning with smart remote collaboration tools to offer teams an end-to-end 3D solution to capture, organize, share and problem-solve. This is all based on real-time field observations and data, whether team members are on site or a continent away. Clirio is a set of mobile, web and VR/AR apps for instantly capturing, sharing, reviewing and resolving worksite field observations. At a field site, Clirio users collect notes, photos and 3D scans (using the laser scanner built into a new iPad Pro or iPhone Pro). These field observations are automatically geo-referenced within the map-based workspace and synced to a secure cloud workspace. An intuitive interface allows colleagues, managers, partners, or stakeholders to sort, review, compare, and act on field observations.

    Clirio, www.clir.io

    TRANSPORTATION

    Parking Assist

    Designed to meet scooter parking challenges

    Photo: Bird
    Photo: Bird

    The Visual Parking System (VPS) by Bird is designed to keep track of scooter parking in a scalable, efficient and vandalism-immune way that requires zero infrastructure within a community. Powered by Google’s ARCore Geospatial API, VPS enables scooter parking with pinpoint accuracy. When parking a scooter, riders will be prompted to take a quick scan of their surroundings. The system seamlessly compares a rider’s images against Google’s data and Street View images in real time to produce the best available parking solution. Stationary objects such as buildings and signs are used as reference points, while more dynamic objects such as people and vehicles are disregarded. The near-instantaneous process results in a precise, centimeter-level geolocation that enables Bird VPS to detect and prevent improper parking with extreme accuracy, helping ensure Bird vehicles are only left in approved areas.

    Bird, bird.co; Google, google.com

    Tracking software

    Supports Industry 4.0 with real-time visibility of assets

    Photo: Pozyx
    Photo: Pozyx

    The Pozyx Platform is an asset tracking and identification solution for seamless indoor and outdoor tracking, following packages or other assets from trucks to their destination. It is based on the omlox hub, an open standard for real-time location systems that combines GPS data with data from ultra-wideband, 5G, radio-frequency identification, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Pozyx Platform offers a seamless indoor/outdoor transition with zoom-in from a worldwide map to a detailed indoor map, showing highly accurate locations up to 10 cm. It is designed for smart manufacturing, providing a supply-chain solution that supports Industry 4.0. It tracks and identifies any asset, providing real-time data to facilitate warehouse and inventory control, keep track of critical tools, and slash lost asset costs.

    Pozyx, pozyx.io

  • Launchpad: Adjustable drones, mobile mapping camera

    Launchpad: Adjustable drones, mobile mapping camera

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the July 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    RTK Receiver

    Hybrid high-precision GNSS

    Photo: PP Solutions
    Photo: PP Solutions

    The handheld RTAP2U is a hybrid high-precision, dual-frequency GNSS receiver. It can receive and process GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS signals. Its user-friendly web interface accesses and configures signal reception, skyplot, data collection, stop-and-go surveying, map display and more. With u-blox’s ZED F9P module, RTAP2U provides 2 cm or better accuracy within a few seconds. A firmware upgrade can provide precise point positioning (PPP) and real-time kinematic (RTK) capability.

    PP-Solution, ppsoln.com

    Marine Receiver

    L-band corrections aid bathymetry, dredging

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    The AsteRx-U3 Marine GNSS receiver offers accurate positioning near shore and offshore via centimeter-level real-time kinematic (RTK) or the built-in Fugro precise point positioning (PPP) sub-decimeter subscription service, delivered either over NTRIP internet or L-band satellite. Corrections delivered over L-band allow dredging, bathymetry or marine construction projects even in areas where there is no internet service. The AsteRx-U3 Marine receiver, enclosed in an IP68-rated housing, offers a dedicated L-band demodulator with a separate L-band RF input, which allows for the use of dedicated antennas for excellent reception of L-band signals even at high latitudes.

    Septentrio, septentrio.com

    Navigation System

    For air, land and sea vehicles and equipment

    Photo: Honeywell
    Photo: Honeywell

    The HGuide o360 is a compact single-card, all-attitude GNSS/inertial navigation system (INS) that delivers accurate and robust position and attitude even in GNSS-challenged or denied environments to industrial and autonomous applications. The HGuide o360 contains a multi-frequency, multi-constellation, real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS receiver with dual antennas, Honeywell’s i300 inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology, and a high-grade calibrated magnetometer. It is designed for platforms that require high-performance navigation data in an ultra-low size, weight and power (SWAP) package.

    Honeywell, honeywell.com

    Inertial Navigation System

    Offers optimal heading performance and resistance to vibration

    Photo: SBG Systems
    Photo: SBG Systems

    The Quanta Micro GNSS-aided inertial navigation system (INS) offers a high level of navigation performance despite its low size, weight, power and cost (SWAP-C). It brings direct georeferencing to UAV and land-based surveying. Quanta Micro leverages a survey-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU) for optimal heading performance in single-antenna applications, and high immunity to vibrating environments. An optional secondary antenna enables fast heading initialization in low dynamic applications.

    SBG Systems, sbg-systems.com

    Utility Time Server

    Solution for power plants and substations

    Photo: Microchip Technologies
    Photo: Microchip Technology

    The GridTime 3000 GNSS time server is a software-configurable solution for utilities, providing redundancy, security and resiliency to protect against surges, adverse weather and cyberattacks. It generates precise time and frequency signals to synchronize analog and digital communication systems. The resilient timing platform incorporates multiple timing inputs for protection in the event of a GNSS signal disruption caused by severe weather, environmental disturbances or signal jamming or spoofing.

    Microchip Technology, www.microchip.com

    UAV

    UAV Mapping Workflow

    For high-precision mapping missions

    Photo: Auterion
    Photo: Auterion

    The Auterion OS serves enterprises that need component and payload flexibility, alongside a centralized and streamlined software workflow. Features include availability of precise mapping data in real time, automated processing for fast decision-making, standardization across Auterion-powered vehicles, connectivity that enables automated end-to-end workflows with no need for manual data transfer, and integration with third-party data-processing software such as Esri Site Scan or Propeller.

    Auterion, auterion.com

    Lidar Scanner

    Designed to meet the need for highly accurate data

    Photo: YellowScan
    Photo: YellowScan

    The YellowScan Vx20 lidar is the most accurate, fully integrated system of YellowScan’s product range. It can fly up to 330 feet (100 meters) while maintaining high accuracy throughout the point cloud. The Vx20 series is designed for applications that require sharp, accurate descriptions. Its Applanix APX-20UAV GNSS/inertial sensor provides precision of 1 cm and accuracy of 2.5 cm. With battery, the lidar scanner weighs 6.25 pounds (2.84 kg). It can be integrated with either multirotor or helicopter drones.

    YellowScan, yellowscan-lidar.com

    Expandable-wing drone

    Stretches to seven feet and carries heavy loads

    Photo: WingXpand
    Photo: WingXpand

    The WingXpand seven-foot expandable-wing drone folds to fit in a backpack. Its U.S.-made patented design combines the small size of a quadcopter with the horsepower of an airplane. The drone expands in less than 2 minutes and weighs less than 10 pounds. It can carry high-resolution cameras and other modular payloads such as a real-time pattern analysis system. More than 10 WingXpand UAS can fit in a public safety vehicle, more than 30 in a pickup, and 250 on a standard airlift pallet. WingXpand maximizes capability, efficiency and safety for the military and public safety officials. It also can be used by farmers, surveyors and inspectors.

    WingXpand, wingxpand.com

    Drone Package

    Capable of centimeter-level positioning

    Photo: ComNav
    Photo: ComNav

    The E300 drone package includes the E300 real-time kinematic (RTK) drone, flight-control software and an optional camera. It is suitable for topographic survey, urban construction, forestry investigation, emergency rescue, 3D modeling, mining and surveying. The drone is embedded with a high-precision K8 GNSS module that supports GPS L1/L2/L5, BeiDou B1/B2/B3/B1C/B2a, GLONASS L1/L2, Galileo E1/E5-a/E5-b/AltBOC/E6 and QZSS L1/L2/L5. With its intelligent recognition algorithms, the E300 can capture high-resolution images consistently even in complex environments.

    ComNav Technology, comnav.com

    Adjustable Drone

    Switches from horizontal to vertical takeoff

    Photo: Tekever
    Photo: Tekever

    The AR3 unmanned aerial system (UAS) now has a “hot-swappable” vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) capability, able to switch from horizontal launch to vertical. It also now has integrated synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The AR3 is a shipborne UAS that supports multiple types of maritime and land-based missions up to 16 hours. With the upgrade, the AR3 becomes more operationally flexible. The newly added SAR provides the AR3 with a vastly greater operational range, and the ability to effectively detect, recognize and identify targets under any weather condition. Covering more than 20,000 square nautical miles per mission, the new AR3 is suitable for wide-area surveillance missions.

    Tekever, tekever.com

    SURVEYING

    Rugged Tablet

    Provides enhanced heading and positioning

    Photo: ComNav Technology
    Photo: ComNav Technology

    The P300 is a high-precision, in-cab Android tablet designed for precision agriculture, autonomous driving and machine control. Embedded with the K8 OEM module, the P300 tracks GPS, BeiDou, BeiDou-3, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS signals to achieve centimeter-level accuracy. It provides enhanced heading and positioning performance for everyday field use. The P300 series is available as the P300 Plus (10.1-inch) and P300 Mini (8-inch).

    ComNav Technology, comnav.com

    Advanced GIS

    Deployment option provides greater security, lower cost

    Photo: Hexagon
    Photo: Hexagon

    Intergraph G/Technology, an advanced utility geographic information system (GIS), enables utility companies to plan, design and document networks. It acts as a definitive source of reliable, location-based information that can be shared with users and systems across an organization. Available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace, G/Technology provides utility operators with a scalable, secure and highly available GIS solution with reduced start-up costs and needed infrastructure. Running G/Technology on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure eases initial system deployment, enhances performance and automates scalability, availability and cybersecurity protection, ensuring the system is always up to date with the latest features and enhancements.

    Hexagon, hexagon.com

    Mobile Mapping Camera

    Provides photogrammetry at highway speeds

    Photo:
    Photo: Mosaic

    The Mosaic X mobile mapping camera captures extremely accurate photos and 360° videos, while simultaneously creating photorealistic 3D photogrammetry models, without the use of lidar. It can achieve 1-cm accuracy on road surfaces. The built-in CPU and GPU allow users to operate the camera and capture data without the need for a computer within the vehicle. Meticulous mechanical engineering and design ensure reliable and dependable use in harsh conditions such as moisture, mechanical shock and extreme temperatures. It can create high-quality 3D models, 3D reconstructions, and dense point clouds without the use of lidar. It comes with an AUX port to connect with external GNSS devices or lidar.

    Mosaic, mosaic51.com

  • Thank you for registering

    Thank you for registering for the upcoming webinar, “A Galaxy Far, Far Away? Why LEO PNT is Closer to Reality Than You Think” sponsored by Orolia Defense & Security.

    A link to the live event will be sent to you two hours before the event. Your personalized event URL will be automatically generated by the ON24 system. To ensure receipt of the email, please whitelist this email address by adding it to your contacts: [email protected].

    This presentation will begin at 1 p.m. EDT / 10 a.m. PDT on Thursday, August 11.  A recording will also be sent to you the following day so you can watch it on-demand.

    Audience members may arrive 15 minutes prior to live time. If you have any questions, please contact event producer Mackenzie Shoemaker at [email protected].

  • European geolocation standard to certify mobility solutions

    European geolocation standard to certify mobility solutions

    By Xavier Leblan and Giuseppe Rotondo, GUIDE-GNSS, Toulouse, France
    Miguel Ortiz, Université Gustave Eiffel, Nantes, France
    and Christelle Dulery,CNES (French Space Agency), Toulouse, France

    Geolocation errors, degraded signal and environmental masking

    In a perfect world, the positions calculated by trilateration using the signals transmitted by GNSS satellites would always be accurate to within a few centimeters. Unfortunately, in addition to the intrinsic quality of the receivers, many factors alter the measurements made by a GNSS receiver and degrade the final geolocation data.

    To begin with, the GNSS system itself suffers from multiple imperfections including so-called “global” errors. For this reason, the satellite navigation system is complemented with the broadcasting of assistance messages to increase the performance of receivers compatible with SBAS systems, such as EGNOS for the European continent.

    In addition, for terrestrial applications, the satellite signals are affected by several phenomena caused by the immediate surroundings of the receiving antenna. These are the so-called “local” errors, such as terrain, bridges, infrastructures, vegetation and interference of any type. Depending on the areas covered, the trajectories calculated by the terminals deviate more or less from that actually taken by the vehicle (antenna), i.e. the “reference trajectory,” also called “ground truth.”

    Figure 1. Sources of error in urban geolocation. (Image: GNSS-GUIDE)
    Figure 1. Sources of error in urban geolocation. (Image: GNSS-GUIDE)

    Sources of error in urban geolocation include:

    Global errors

    • Orbits and clocks
    • Satellite geometries
    • Ionosphere, troposphere

    Local errors

    • Obstruction, attenuation
    • Multipath and diffraction
    • Interference, jamming, spoofing

    Terminal errors

    • Receiving chain
    • Algorithms and services
    • Navigation sensors

    Classification of position errors

    To study those phenomena having the greatest impact and likely to be the most frequent, the different types of errors are displayed as a risk matrix. As the “global” errors can be considered to be handled by the regional SBAS system, the pre-eminence of the so-called “local” errors should be addressed.

    Figure 2. GNSS Risk Matrix. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 2. GNSS Risk Matrix. (Image: Authors)

    Description of the main sources of local errors

    To observe the effects of local phenomena on the propagation of signals, a dozen identical receivers — with the same configuration and sharing the same antenna — were mounted on a vehicle and driven through urban and peri-urban areas.

    We focus on four particularly impacting phenomena to visualize the trajectories calculated by the receivers.

    Positioning errors due to bridges

    In the picture, below, the test vehicle passes under a bridge in both directions. In both cases, the trajectories diverge under the bridge and converge further on. Here it is easy to understand the shortcomings of results based on a single pass, in other words based on a single measurement.

    Figure 3. Effect of alteration of GNSS signals on receivers passing under a bridge. (Image: Auhors)
    Figure 3. Effect of alteration of GNSS signals on receivers passing under a bridge. (Image: Auhors)

    Positioning errors due to vegetation

    In the image below, the test vehicle is on an avenue lined by trees whose branches and canopy cover the road. The foliage attenuates and, more importantly, diffracts the radio waves arriving from the satellites, thus degrading signal reception. This results in dispersed trajectories. Each receiver provides a different measurement. Note that due to the proximity of buildings, the center of the position distribution, in the presence of multipath, deviates slightly from the reference trajectory.

    Figure 4. Effect of diffraction of GNSS signals on receivers passing under tree canopies. (Image: Authors)Photo:
    Figure 4. Effect of diffraction of GNSS signals on receivers passing under tree canopies. (Image: Authors)

    Positioning errors due to buildings

    In the composite image (in order to show the main building) below, all the receiver trajectories are deviated towards the building alongside the avenue. The situation highlights the consequences of a phenomenon called “multipath.” When a receiver captures reflected waves, the signal propagation time — used to calculate the pseudoranges — is increased and the accuracy of the end position is degraded. This effect is well known and easily observable during static measurements.

    Figure 5. Effects of GNSS signal propagation on receivers near a building. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 5. Effects of GNSS signal propagation on receivers near a building. (Image: Authors)

    Positioning errors due to interferences

    In the image below, the on-board receivers have been disturbed by “transitory” interference. On the outward journey, twenty minutes earlier, no problem had been detected for the trajectories on the other side of the expressway.

    On the return journey, this unidentified interference degrades the accuracy of the receivers with a visible dispersion of the trajectories. In other situations, intentional or unintentional interference could completely block out the GNSS band preventing any position measurement.

    In this case, the source of the interference seems to come from the bottom right, guided by the two parallel buildings.

    Figure 6. Effect of unidentified temporary interference on signals for GNSS receiver. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 6. Effect of unidentified temporary interference on signals for GNSS receiver. (Image: Authors)

    Trueness and precision of position measurements

    Receivers of the same batch behave differently depending on the environment. For a predominantly multipath situation, they all converge to the same wrong position. On the other hand, when the propagation phenomena become more complex with multiple diffractions, such as reception under foliage, each receiver produces a position with a different error. For complex environments, we have a combination of these two behaviors.

    The first behavior is deterministic. Metrology uses the term measurement “trueness,” which stands for “closeness of agreement between the average of an infinite number of replicated measured values and a reference value.”

    The second behavior is non-deterministic. In this case, metrology uses the term measurement “precision,” which stands for “closeness of agreement between indications or measured values obtained by replicated measurements on the same or similar objects under specified conditions.”

    Terrestrial applications often offer a varied mix of environments where “trueness” and “precision” errors accumulate. It is essential to consider both components in order to characterize and study GNSS receiver performance.

    Statistic distribution of the different positioning errors:

    Figure 7. Combination of deterministic and non-deterministic errors. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 7. Combination of deterministic and non-deterministic errors. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 8. A single position measurement at a point has two unknowns: The weight of deterministic (trueness) errors compared to those that are not (precision). (Image: Authors)
    Figure 8. A single position measurement at a point has two unknowns: The weight of deterministic (trueness) errors compared to those that are not (precision). (Image: Authors)
    Figure 9. Statistical distributions of errors for a trajectory (scenario), that is the percentage of all errors (probability) lying beneath a given accuracy level. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 9. Statistical distributions of errors for a trajectory (scenario), that is the percentage of all errors (probability) lying beneath a given accuracy level. (Image: Authors)

    Above, 95% of the positions calculated during a replay have an accuracy better than 1.5m; this same value is only reached with ~80% of the positions calculated during another replay — see vertical line [d]. The horizontal line [e] illustrates the spread of the horizontal position by considering 95% of the positions of two replays: for one the displayed accuracy is ~ 1.5m and for the other it is degraded to 3.5 m. This curve will always point to the same reference points [a], [b] and [c] recommended by the standard EN16803-1 and corresponds to the percentage of measurements respectively less than 50%, 75% and 95%.

    By way of example, the evaluation of a single receiver on board a vehicle travelling in an urban environment does not allow separation of these two components. Indeed, signal degradation determines the degree of dispersion of the “random” component of the measurements. Thus, in certain environments, each additional receiver will produce a different result. However, the analyses of a single onsite campaign relies on just one single sample (single trajectory of the terminal under test), where a panel of measurements is essential. In fact, the available statistics prove insufficient to characterize a receiver, even at the cost of doing long runs.

    Figure 10. Visualization of the combined deterministic and non-deterministic errors. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 10. Visualization of the combined deterministic and non-deterministic errors. (Image: Authors)

    Live testing is therefore rather intended for final integration.

    On the other hand, a constellation generator will synthesize ideal signals derived from mathematical models, and, in any case, not representative of the real environment. The measurements will then only be deterministic, that is, subject to “systematic” errors. Repeated simulations on the same receiver will always produce the same measurements. Nevertheless, this type of test bench offers many advantages for simulating unobservable situations in the real world.

    Disparities in analysis possibilities on position errors based on:

    Figure 11. Typical results for repeated measurements obtained, respectively from left to right, with synthetic signals and real-world signals. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 11. Typical results for repeated measurements obtained, respectively from left to right,
    with synthetic signals and real-world signals. (Image: Authors)

    In summary, the main error profiles are described below.

    Each situation combines both trueness and precision errors. This latter component requires several runs in the same configuration to determine the potential measurement spread.

    Figure 12. Position error profiles (measured trajectories/DUT) depending on the environment. (Image: Authors)
    Figure 12. Position error profiles (measured trajectories/DUT) depending on the environment. (Image: Authors)

    What is GNSS metrology?

    As a first approach, characterization of GNSS performance would require many receivers on the same test vehicle. This method is certainly useful in the experimental stage, especially to understand the impact of propagation phenomena on positioning errors. However, it has major disadvantages, both from a logistics point of view and because of the basic metrological requirements.

    To obtain reliable and useful measurements, from an operational point of view, the tests must be “representative” of the areas to be covered and “reproducible” to check the results and make valid comparisons, for example, between two receivers, two firmwares, two settings, two antennas and even two hybridizations.

    Under these conditions, replay techniques, often referred to as “record and replay,” meet the expected requirements. For the record, this metrology method consists in digitizing the GNSS signals received by the antenna on board the definition vehicle, taking care to collect all the data associated with the tests (VIDEO, INS, DMI, NRTK, …), above all, the ground truth. Thus, at the end of the campaign the GNSS signals and other data are synchronized and restored on a replay bench consisting of an “SDR replayer.”

    Replaying the same scenario on a receiver makes it possible to reproduce the recording conditions identically. Each pass generates new measurements, equivalent to using an additional unit, virtually onboard. Compiling the results thus highlights the non-deterministic errors, that is, those which by their random nature emerge from the others.

    Test laboratories such as GNSS GUIDE design and market test data that can be replayed directly on the main simulation instruments capable of operating in two modes: simulation and replay. The replay configurations are generally much more affordable than the larger, structurally more complex constellation generators. In addition, the implementation of replay sessions is simple, fast and requires no special training.

    In addition to scenarios made on request, the available libraries already cover a multitude of cases, previously inaccessible for an isolated user. They open up the possibility of testing terminals in different latitudes with varied terrain and neighborhoods composed of typical architectures.

    Conclusion

    The French Space Agency (CNES) has financed several R & D contracts for the development and validation of this replay technique (record and replay). It is already recommended by CEN / CENELEC through the series of EN16803 standards to characterize and classify the performance of GNSS terminals. This methodology complies with the basic principles of metrology.

    The test conditions are reproducible and representative of operational conditions. The measurements are repeatable and allow separating the systematic errors (trueness) from the random errors (precision). Measurement uncertainties are also accurately established.

    During an on-site measurement campaign, the statistical distributions of two identical receivers on board the same vehicle lead to different results. Thus, no characterization can be established at this stage.

    With a replay bench, after several iterations of the same scenario, the average values of the measurements on a CDF tend toward a curve characterizing the performance for that scenario.

    Instrumentation dedicated to replay operations is less complex and less expensive. Statistical models of simulations are replaced by scenarios of GNSS signals previously digitized in the field or on constellation generators. Thus, whether they come from a real or synthetic environment, these GNSS signals are easily restored, while drastically reducing the preparation and execution times. The economic benefits of this test technique are now evident and are favoring its adoption by the transportation industries.

    References

    • Niels Joubert, Tyler G.R. Reid, and Fergus Noble (2020), Developments in Modern GNSS and Its Impact on Autonomous Vehicle Architectures
    • Andrej Tern and Anton Kos (2018), Positioning Performance Assessment of Geodetic, Automotive, and Smartphone GNSS Receivers in Standardized Road Scenarios
    • Ni Zhu, Juliette Marais, David Betaille, Marion Berbineau (2018), GNSS Position Integrity in Urban Environments
    • C. Rouch, B. Bonhoure, F.X. Marmet, T. Chapuis, H. Secretan, V. Bienfait, X. Leblan (2016), Measurement campaigns and PVT experiments with new Galileo satellites
    • B. Calvet, L. Montoya, P. Grandjean, X. Leblan (2015),  The GUIDE High-Precision test facility (GNSS laboratory)
    • G. Duchâteau, X. Leblan, Y. Capelle, W. Vigneau and F. Peyret (2014), Certification of Road User Charging: Approach, standardization and role of laboratories
  • Launchpad: Mobile mapping, surveillance system, airborne lidar

    Launchpad: Mobile mapping, surveillance system, airborne lidar

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the June 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Base/Rover

    For survey-grade GNSS accuracy anywhere

    Photo: Bad Elf
    Photo: Bad Elf

    A base/rover feature built upon the Flex GNSS receiver brings affordable centimeter-level accuracy to surveyors and geospatial professionals working anywhere in the world. The solution consists of two Flex GNSS receivers and two UHF radios, allowing customers to perform high-accuracy field data collection in areas where traditional real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections or cellular coverage is not available. Existing Flex customers can upgrade by adding Flex radio kits (pictured). The Bad Elf Flex enables data collection either as a standalone receiver or paired with apps on iOS or Android phones and tablets.

    Bad Elf, bad-elf.com

    Mobile Mapper

    Preserves privacy with artificial intelligence

    Photo: Leica Geosystems
    Photo: Leica Geosystems

    The Leica Pegasus TRK reality-capture mobile-mapping system features artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous workflows and intuitive interfaces. To comply with privacy regulations, its AI can identify and blur identifiers, such as people and vehicles, in real time. Features include advanced dynamic laser scanning and an expandable imagery system for recording, measuring and visualizing. It enables long-range mobile mapping for asset management, road construction, rail, critical infrastructure, utilities and more. The system also can create high-definition basemaps for autonomous vehicles.

    Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com

    Imaging System

    Delivers colorized products with high accuracy

    Photo: GeoCue
    Photo: GeoCue

    The True View 645/650 is the latest 3D Imaging System (3DIS) from GeoCue. Combined with the True View EVO data-processing software suite, it includes the full post-processing software workflow and directly integrates with Applanix POSPac. EVO supports the creation of project deliverables including ground classified point clouds, surface models, contours, digital elevation models (DEMs), volumetric analysis and wire extraction. The system delivers colorized lidar deliverables with accuracy better than 3 cm root-mean-square-error (RMSE) for the True View 645, and better than 2 cm for the True View 650.

    GeoCue, geocue.com

    OEM

    Front-End Receiver

    Software-defined receiver front-end

    Photo: IP-Solutions
    Photo: IP-Solutions

    The Eagle-2 works with software-defined receivers in real time or records GNSS signals for post-processing. For post-processing, Eagle-2 supports most third-party receivers, such as MATLAB and C/C++ receivers. The front end allows a user to work with two perfectly synchronized channels connected to two antennas. The Eagle-2 supports GPS, Galileo, GLONASS , BeiDou, QZSS and SBAS.

    IP-Solutions, www.ip-solutions.jp

    Helical Antennas

    Feature extended filtering of interference

    Photo: Tallysman
    Photo: Tallysman

    The housed HC885XF and embedded HC885EXF dual-band eXtended Filtering (XF) antennas receive GPS/QZSS L1/L5, GLONASS G1/G3, Galileo E1/ E5a/b, BeiDou B1/B2/B2a and L-band corrections services. They have been tuned to provide optimal support for the entire L1/G1/E1/B1/L-band correction and L5/G3/E5/B2 bands. The housed version, HC885XF, weighs ~42 g and is enclosed in a robust, military-grade IP67 plastic enclosure. The embedded version, HC885EXF, weighs ~8 g and is easily mounted with an embedded helical mounting ring.

    Tallysman Wireless, tallysman.com

    Converter

    Sets performance benchmarks for harsh environments

    Photo: Analog Devices
    Photo: Analog Devices

    The AD9213S-CSH is a highly integrated RF analog-to-digital converter that handles 12-bit, 10.25-giga-samples per second. It is the company’s fastest ADC available for the space environment. The AD9213-CSH enables the next generation of software-defined systems for satellite communications, radar and remote sensing. The high sample rate and integrated post-processing enable further performance gains for narrow-band applications.

    Analog Devices, www.analog.com

    UAV

    Ebook

    Provides guidance to achieve corporate buy-in

    Photo: Skyward
    Photo: Skyward

    Skyward has published a free ebook, Adding Drones to the Enterprise, to provide guidance on establishing a corporate drone program. According to Skyward, the most efficient and effective drone programs are the lowest risk and most compliant. Topics covered include how to present the business value of a drone operation to corporate executives; how risk managers can optimize the workflow to ensure maximum safety; best practices for risk mitigation and regulatory compliance; tips for collaborating with legal and compliance teams on a general operating manual; and how to provide full transparency to corporate stakeholders.

    Skyward, https://go.skyward.io/adding-drones-to-the-enterprise-ebook.html

    Enterprise System

    Includes drone, fleet software and charging dock

    Photo: DJI
    Photo: DJI

    DJI’s all-in-one solution for professional drone operators includes the DJI Matrice 30 (M30) drone integrated with DJI FlightHub 2 fleet-management cloud software and DJI Dock for autonomous docking and recharging. The integrated solution is suitable for Enterprise drone users such as public safety agencies, infrastructure inspectors and energy operators. The M30 model is designed for rugged professional uses, while the fact that it fits in a backpack makes transportation and setup fast. The DJI Dock is an autonomous takeoff, landing and charging station allowing fully automatic, programmed flights with the DJI M30 Series (Dock Version). After setup, the fully charged M30 drone can take off from the dock through FlightHub 2 programmed automatic missions anywhere within a seven-kilometer radius.

    DJI, www.dji.com

    Airborne Lidar

    Easily installed on various UAV platforms

    Photo: CHC Navigation
    Photo: CHC Navigation

    The AlphaAir 1400 (AA1400) and AlphaAir 2400 (AA2400) lidar systems are lightweight, compact airborne scanners easily installed on various UAV platforms or small survey aircraft and helicopters. They are adapted to high-density point-corridor mapping applications, day or night, under leaf-on and leaf-off conditions or with dense vegetation to provide reliable results. Combined with industrial-grade GNSS receivers and high-precision inertial measurement units (IMUs), the AA1400 and AA2400 provide 2 cm to 5 cm survey-grade accuracy. They also integrate Riegl VUX lidars with waveform-lidar technology, allowing echo digitization and online waveform processing.

    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Autopilot

    Provides built-in redundancies

    Photo: UAV Navigation
    Photo: UAV Navigation

    The VECTOR-600 is a robust, dependable autopilot with built-in physical and logical redundancy, allowing it to survive all individual sensor failures while maintaining accurate estimates of attitude and position. It works for fixed-wing, rotary-wing and vertical-take-off-and-landing UAVs. It provides exceptional performance in GNSS-denied environments and when there is a jamming threat. The VECTOR-600 features high quality components and an electromagnetic-resistant design tested to MIL-STD 461.

    UAV Navigation, uavnavigation.com

    Surveillance System

    Ground-based solution enables safe operations

    Photo: Iris Automation
    Photo: Iris Automation

    Casia G is a ground-based detect-and-avoid surveillance solution that provides 360° optical detection with alerts. It enables operators to avoid both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft for safe beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight. Casia G creates a perimeter of monitored airspace for UAVs to perform work safely, without additional payload. It is suitable for operations in fixed or temporary locations, supporting drone-in-the-box operations and augmenting or replacing human visual observers. Casia G sees the entire sky, with uniform probability and resolution, 10 times per second, covering a majority of small UAS use cases.

    Iris Automation, irisonboard.com

  • Launchpad: Professional UAVs, Android mapping, video telematics

    Launchpad: Professional UAVs, Android mapping, video telematics

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the May 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

    SURVEYING

    Measurement Workflows

    Field-to-office inspection with survey-grade accuracy

    Photo: Trimble
    Photo: Trimble

    Trimble Access field software now connects with Infotech’s Appia service to streamline the workflow from survey to construction. Aimed at the inspection process for civil infrastructure projects, the software provides high-accuracy measurement workflows for daily work reports and inspection reporting for engineering, construction and public agencies. By streamlining the connection between data collected by Trimble GNSS rovers and simultaneously syncing Trimble Access, Infotech Mobile Inspector and Infotech Appia, inspectors can now complete their daily work reports more efficiently in the field and reduce errors. With manual processes removed, inspectors can more accurately represent infrastructure assets.

    Trimble Geospatial, geospatial.trimble.com; Infotech, infotechinc.com

    GNSS Receiver

    For surveying, mapping and construction professionals

    Photo: CHCNav
    Photo: CHCNav

    The i83 GNSS receiver is powered by a multi-band GNSS receiver, iStar technology, and a calibration-free, high-end inertial measurement unit (IMU) for faster and reliable field GNSS surveying. The third-generation high-gain antenna with advanced CHCNAV iStar algorithm improves GNSS satellite signal tracking efficiency by more than 30%. The i83 GNSS receiver features 1,408 GNSS channels for high performance across GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and QZSS constellations. Its onboard GNSS technology delivers centimeter-level positioning, maintains reliable fixed real-time kinematic (RTK) accuracy, and collects points faster than previous models, even in demanding conditions. The i83 receiver’s built-in IMU automatically compensates for pole tilt. In less than 5 seconds, the 200-Hz inertial module is initialized to ensure survey-grade accuracy over a pole-tilt range of up to 30 degrees. Productivity is dramatically increased, RTK usability greatly improved, and potential human error reduced, whether you are an engineer, site foreman or surveyor.

    CHC Navigation, chcnav.com

    Survey Software

    Simplifies surveying with both GPS and total station

    Photo: Carlson Software
    Photo: Carlson Software

    SurvPC Hybrid+ is a module for SurvCE version 6 software that enables surveying with mixed brands of GNSS receivers and total stations. SurvCE is a data-collection software package from Carlson Software. SurvPC Hybrid+ provides driver support for numerous devices, allowing the surveyor to interface with both types. Features include Follow Me, Smart Lock, Smart Staking, Cross Check, Backup Tracking, Hybrid-Resection, Auto-Localize, and Easy Setup Wizard.

    Carlson Software, carlsonsw.com

    Data-Collection Software

    Runs on Android devices

    Photo: eSurvey
    Photo: eSurvey

    SurPad 4.2 is designed to help surveyors work efficiently at all types of land surveying and road engineering projects in the field. It runs on eSurvey handhelds, Android smartphones and tablets, and third-party Android devices. It integrates with professional receiver control, point collection, stakeout, geographic information system (GIS) data collection, road measurement, road design, cross-section measurement and railway stakeout. SurPad 4.2 provides multiple operation and communication systems, has mapping and CAD functions, and has a coordinate system. It also includes a survey mode encompassing topo, control, quick point and COGO civil engineering programs.

    eSurvey, esurvey-gnss.com

    Total-Station Pole

    Provides tilt-compensation for surveyors

    Photo: Leica Geosystems
    Photo: Leica Geosystems

    The Leica AP20 AutoPole provides tilt compensation, automatic pole-height readings and unique target identification for automated total stations. It combines an intelligent sensor module with the AP Reflector Pole and operates with existing Leica Geosystems’ automated total stations to create a solution for autonomous workflows. Tilt compensation decreases measurement time and increases flexibility and safety on site by enabling measurement of points in inaccessible or risky locations. By updating the pole height automatically in the field software, the system ensures that the height on record is always correct.

    Leica Geosystems, leica-geosystems.com

    MAPPING

    Data Management Platform

    Provides validation in the cloud

    Photo: NV5 Geospatial
    Photo: NV5 Geospatial

    INSITE Data Reviewer moves geospatial data validation to the cloud, giving key stakeholders the ability to collaborate in real time. The third module in the INSITE Lifecycle suite of products, INSITE Data Reviewer provides reviewers real-time access to aerial imagery, lidar data and geographic information system (GIS) layers via the cloud to standardize quality control. This increases data validation speed and reduces costs of geospatial projects. The INSITE Lifecycle suite combines Project Tracker, Data Delivery and Data Reviewer modules through which users can see their projects executed on a map, from data acquisition through processing.

    NV5 Geospatial, nv5geospatial.com

    Android Mapping

    Asset locations can be captured from a distance

    Photo: Eos Positioning Systems
    Photo: Eos Positioning Systems

    Eos Laser Mapping for ArcGIS is now available on Android devices. It allows mobile crews to capture high-accuracy laser offsets directly into ArcGIS Field Maps with Arrow Series GNSS receivers. The solution combines technology from geographic information system (GIS) provider Esri, laser rangefinders from Laser Tech, and Eos’ own Arrow Series GNSS receivers. The release supports three workflows: standard laser offset (range-azimuth), range-range (range-intersect) and range-backsight (a total station-like method).

    Eos Positioning Systems, eos-gnss.com

    OEM

    Accelerometer

    For navigation systems on land and at sea

    Photo: Honeywell
    Photo: Honeywell

    The MV60 micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer delivers high performance and reliability in a small, rugged and low-cost package. The MV60 measures the acceleration experienced by an object during movement and is designed for use in inertial measurement units and navigation systems deployed on land, air and sea vehicles to measure velocity. It has a compact footprint of 1.2 square inches and shock survivability of up to 5,000 g. It also offers bandwidth of greater than 300 Hz — important for environmentally demanding missions.

    Honeywell, honeywell.com

    CLAS Support

    Receivers support Japan’s cm-level augmentation service

    Photo: Septentrio
    Photo: Septentrio

    Three multi-frequency GNSS receivers now support the Centimeter-Level Augmentation Service (CLAS), receiving the L6 signal that transmits high-accuracy corrections from Japan’s QZSS constellation. The mosaic-CLAS receiver is in a small form-factor suitable for high-volume industrial applications. The AsteRx-m3 CLAS OEM board combines PPP-RTK CLAS with dual-antenna heading functionality. The AsteRx SB3 CLAS features a ruggedized IP68 enclosure to protect it in harsh environments.

    Septentrio, septentrio.com

    UAV

    Long-Endurance Prototype

    Designed to check basic aircraft systems

    Photo: UAVOS
    Photo: UAVOS

    The S1-V300 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial system (UAS) prototype is based on the Saker MALE UAS design that achieved operational capability in 2020. The prototype features a new design and a more powerful heavy fuel engine with 260 HP, offering greater speed, payload and endurance of 28 hours with a range of 4,020 km. The aircraft features unique UAVOS avionics solutions and a redundant flight control system that will enable complex missions, including overland and maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The improved S1-V300 prototype is equipped with both line-of-sight and beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) datalink systems for over-the-horizon operations. It can be integrated with multiple ISR sensors, including electro-optical infrared cameras and a synthetic aperture radar that offers all-weather, day/night performance for a wide-area search capability.

    UAVOS, uavos.com

    Professional UAVs

    Dragonfish Lite and Pro now available in United States

    Photo: Autel Robotics
    Photo: Autel Robotics

    The rugged Dragonfish UAVs are capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) with both multi-rotor and winged flight, with an endurance of up to 180 minutes. They are suitable for professional applications such as energy, mining, defense and surveillance. Maximum winged flight speed is 30 m/s (108 km/h, 67 mph), and maximum video transmission range is 30 km (18.6 miles) with a base station. The aircraft can make a smart decision to either land or return to base in case of issues such as loss of GPS signal, loss of operator communications, or low battery power. The tilt-rotor system will automatically transition to multi-rotor mode if adverse conditions cause fixed-winged flight to stall or become unsustainable. The Dragonfish battery, barometer, positioning system, compass and inertial measurement unit all have backup modules to ensure flight safety.

    Autel Robotics, autelrobotics.com

    TRANSPORTATION

    Video Telematics

    Enhanced experience for fleet operators

    Photo: Geotab
    Photo: Geotab

    The SureCam connected dash camera system now features a method for capturing video footage from SureCam cameras using Geotab’s telematics device and rule-based system. This results in a seamless display of video within the MyGeotab platform. The enhanced SureCam fleet video solution leverages Geotab’s numerous data-based rules, such as improper seat belt usage and speeding. It also uses G-force triggered alerts that detect unsafe driving behaviors and automatically captures video footage that can be reviewed later. A new Video Request feature in GeoTab enables fleet managers to preview and download additional SureCam video, enabling them to investigate call-ins and other minor incidents that may not have been triggered by an event-based rule.

    Geotab, geotab.com; SureCam, surecam.com

    Asset Tracker

    Module enables NB-IoT on-the-fly

    Photo: Telit
    Photo: Telit

    Momentum IoT’s long-life Eagle 1 tracker works without external power for more than six months after a single charge. The device switches on-the-fly between narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) and LTE Cat-M. The Eagle 1 leverages Telit’s dual-mode ME310G1 module, which delivers low power consumption in a small footprint. The Eagle 1 detects movement with a built-in accelerometer. Using movement and signals from its GPS receiver to determine vehicle trip starts and stops, the device can go into hibernation mode during periods when the vehicle is not in use, further reducing power consumption. Applications include garbage and storage bins, portable toilets, roll-off containers, message-boards, coolers, and other equipment typically stationed in non-powered, remote places for extended periods.

    Momentum IoT, momentumiot.com; Telit, telit.com

  • Launchpad: digital FOG, wind prediction, drone tracker

    Launchpad: digital FOG, wind prediction, drone tracker

    A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the April 2022 issue of GPS World magazine.

    OEM

    GNSS+5G Antenna

    9-in-one combination antenna with dual-band GNSS

    Photo: Taoglas
    Photo: Taoglas

    The Taoglas MA990 Guardian antenna is a 9-in-1 combination antenna with dual-band GNSS (L1/L2) and globally supported cellular (5G/4G). It has been designed to support emerging market demand for modules that cover specific 5G/4G bands. Two of its eight cellular MIMO antennas cover from 600 Mhz to 6,000 MHz, while another two are optimized for 3,000 MHz to 6,000 MHz to cover high-band 5G and C-band/CBRS applications. The customizable antenna is designed to operate on all global carrier networks and is future-proofed to work with the latest 5G routers on the market. Housed in a low-profile, robust, IP67-rated waterproof, adhesive-mount external enclosure, the MA990 is designed for space-constrained, mission-critical applications, including asset and vehicle tracking, first-responder vehicles and high-definition video sources such as surveillance cameras.

    Taoglas, taoglas.com

    Digital FOG

    Fiber-optic-gyroscope inertial navigation system

    Photo: Advanced Navigation
    Photo: Advanced Navigation

    The Boreas fiber-optic-gyroscope inertial navigation system (INS) is an ultra-high accuracy, strategic-grade INS offering a reduction in size, weight, power and cost. It is based on Advanced Navigation’s new digital fiber-optic gyroscope (DFOG) technology. The Boreas is targeted at applications requiring always-available, ultra-high accuracy orientation and navigation including marine, surveying, subsea, aerospace, robotics and space. It delivers strategic-grade bias stability of 0.001 deg/hr. This allows it to achieve ultra-high roll/pitch accuracy of 0.005 degrees and heading accuracy of 0.006 degrees. The Boreas allows for full independence from GPS with dead-reckoning accuracy of 0.01% of the distance traveled with an odometer or Doppler velocity log. In addition, the Boreas features ultra-fast gyro compassing, taking only two minutes to acquire heading in both stationary environments or on the move. Gyro compassing allows the system to determine a highly accurate heading of 0.01 degrees secant latitude without relying on magnetic heading or GPS.

    Advanced Navigation, advancednavigation.com

    Ceramic-patch Antennas

    Support all four global constellations

    Photo: Linx Technologies
    Photo: Linx Technologies

    Seven new GNSS active ceramic-patch antennas support global GNSS applications including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, NavIC and QZSS systems in the L1/E1/B1, L2/E5/B2B, and L5/E5/B2A bands. Each antenna integrates a high-gain low-noise amplifier (LNA) and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) to provide a high-performance solution for GNSS signal reception. Each active GNSS antenna has either a 60-mm or 100-mm coaxial cable terminated in a MHF1/U.FL-type plug (female socket) connector. They also meet the need for multi-band L1/L2, L1/L5, and L1/L2/L5 GNSS offerings.

    Linx Technologies, linxtechnologies.com

    Tactical-Grade IMU

    Designed for high performance in harsh conditions

    Photo: SBG Systems
    Photo: SBG Systems

    The Pulse-40 inertial measurement unit (IMU) is a tactical-grade IMU designed for high performance in harsh conditions but miniaturized for applications where precision and robustness matter in all conditions. Use cases include warfare systems, satellite communications, robotics, lidar devices, gimbals, cameras and inertial navigation systems (INS). The Pulse-40 IMU provides six degrees of freedom. It integrates micro-electromechanical (MEMS) three-axes accelerometers and gyroscopes in a unique redundant design that allows the device size to shrink while pushing performance to its maximum. Among the performance specifications, the Pulse-40 features excellent gyro and accelerometer bias instability of 0.8°/h and 6 µg respectively, enabling long dead-reckoning and maintaining excellent heading performance. With sensors featuring extremely low vibration rectification error (VRE), the Pulse-40 can sustain high vibration environments, up to 10 g root-mean-squared. An embedded continuous built-in-test ensures data reliability during operation, a key parameter for critical applications. Features include 12 grams, 0.3W power consumption; ultra-low noise gyro (0.08°/√h) and excellent gyro bias instability (0.8°/h); high-precision accelerometers (6 µg); MIL-STD 810-qualified for shocks and vibrations; high bandwidth (480 Hz) and high data rate (2 KHz); highly tested and calibrated from –40° C to 85° C; and no export restrictions.

    SBG Systems, sbg-systems.com

    SURVEYING & MAPPING

    Surveying App

    Adds online services for field surveying and mapping

    Photo: CHC Navigation
    Photo: CHC Navigation

    LandStar version 7.3.7 adds cloud-based services and remote support features to simplify surveyors’ daily tasks. Online data storage and file sharing greatly facilitates interactions within a company and between field operators. LandStar 7’s remote assistance feature allows support personnel to take control of the field crew’s devices. Users simply provide a remote code to grant control of their data controller and be guided efficiently to the solution. The new version of LandStar 7 further improves support for CAD files and operates faster when importing 20MB DWG or 200MB DXF basemap files. Users can directly click on points, lines and blocks to stake out. In addition, object symbols and colors are displayed in the same way as in the original CAD design, making it easier for users to identify them.

    CHC Navigation, www.chcnav.com

    Android Software

    Surveying, mapping and data-collection software

    Photo: Juniper Systems
    Photo: Juniper Systems

    Uinta is now available for devices running on Android. This is particularly valuable for workers who prefer to use an Android tablet or smartphone as a data collector. Uinta’s intuitive and customizable user workflow makes land measurement and asset mapping easier for data collection in the field. Uinta can now be used on a range of smartphones and tablets, including Juniper Systems’ Cedar CT8X2 and Mesa 3 rugged tablets running on Android. When using Juniper’s Geode GNSS receiver and running Uinta on an Android phone or tablet, users create a total mapping solution. They can collect high-accuracy GNSS data on the Geode, record the data in Uinta software, and see the data on a mobile or tablet. The intuitive software includes project templates that can be modified to meet individual project needs. Uinta is commonly used in utility mapping; commercial and agricultural irrigation; industrial asset inspections and rounds; and numerous environmental sciences in forestry, wetlands, wildlife and vegetation mapping.

    Juniper Systems, junipersys.com

    3D City Data

    Visualize the present and simulate the future of Scottish cities

    Photo: Bluesky
    Photo: Bluesky

    Scottish cities Edinburgh and Glasgow have been added to the growing coverage of MetroVista 3D city models. The data is available as ultra-high resolution 5-centimeter aerial photography with 16 points per meter (ppm) lidar. The data also is being processed to create a fully rendered mesh model suitable for use in a range of GIS, CAD and modeling software packages Acquired using the Leica CityMapper aerial sensor that simultaneously captures vertical and oblique imagery together with high-point density lidar, MetroVista data is becoming increasingly popular for smart city applications. Providing a geographically accurate and detailed 3D representation of the urban environment, MetroVista data provides insight for applications such as urban design, defense and security modeling, insurance assessments and utility and telecom planning.

    Bluesky, bluesky-world.com

    Wind Prediction

    App provides forecasts to firefighters

    Photo: WindNinja
    Photo: WindNinja
    Photo: WindNinja
    Photo: WindNinja

    WindNinja is a high-resolution wind modeling app created for firefighters who need to quickly compute and visualize wind direction and speed simulations. The simulations provide them with situational awareness, help keep them safe, and help them conduct work such as burnout operations. The mobile app, developed using ArcGIS AppStudio from Esri, provides high-resolution, near-surface wind forecasts that include wind speeds and directions displayed on a map. The user selects an area of interest of 50 square kilometers or less, names the simulation, chooses a forecast duration of up to 15 hours, selects whether to receive an email or SMS notification when the simulation is ready to view, and then submits the request. The user also can select from a variety of basemaps and turn on data layers — vegetation, atmospheric, oceanic, land-surface imagery — collected by NOAA satellites.

    WindNinja, www.firelab.org/project/windninja

    TRANSPORTATION

    eBike Positioning

    Intelligent control system meets urban transport requirements

    Photo: Xiaoan Technology
    Photo: Xiaoan Technology

    The AT-MX intelligent control system for shared electric bicycles uses the latest ultra-low-power u-blox M10 GNSS technology to enhance the positioning performance of their fleet for improved compliance with increasingly stringent Chinese policy requirements. The growing popularity of shared micromobility solutions for short-distance urban travel has led municipal authorities around the world to introduce new legislation to mitigate their perceived negative impacts, for instance, with restrictions on where users can drive and park their vehicles. Meanwhile, vehicle operators and maintenance personnel need to efficiently locate vehicles requiring maintenance and gather reliable vehicle usage data to balance bicycle placement and operational safety. Enforcing regulatory compliance and optimizing operations both require the safe, accurate and efficient bicycle positioning solutions.

    Xiaoan Technology, xiaoantech.com; u-blox, www.ublox.com

    GNSS+INS Integration

    Ensures safe operations through reliable, robust and continuous positioning

    Image: Hexagon
    Image: Hexagon

    SPAN technology delivers a deeply coupled GNSS and inertial navigation system (INS) that provides robust, reliable and continuous centimeter-level positioning for operators to maintain safety and maximize uptime. Now available for the dynamic positioning of vessels, the GNSS+INS solutions can bridge outages in GNSS tracking and through short periods of radio-frequency interference, jamming or spoofing. It provides vessels with an added layer of resiliency and achieve continuous centimeter-level accuracy across all conditions. SPAN GNSS+INS technology is compatible with commercial inertial measurement units (IMUs) and scalable with the LD900 GNSS receiver, Quantum visualization software and APEX correction services. Features include continuous centimeter-level positioning made more robust and reliable through enhanced GNSS tracking and deep coupling of inertial measurements; rapid reacquisition of GNSS signals after outages or interruptions through a deep coupling process; constant monitoring of GNSS absolute positioning combined with heading, velocity and attitude measurements; and added positioning redundancy with system robustness against potential signal outages, interference or disruptions.

    Hexagon | Veripos, veripos.com

    UAV

    Drone Tracker

    GNSS-based device secures infrasturcutre

    Photo: Ibtechar
    Photo: Ibtechar

    Ibtechar, one of Qatar’s top providers of practical innovation and turnkey solutions, has developed a drone tracker and a GPS-based system that ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure, VIP residents, national borders, and military facilities. The customized solution is made by a Qatar-based team of researchers and technologists with extensive knowledge and expertise in applied research and counter-drone systems. It aims to secure airports, power lines, and other vital assets that can be targets for drone attacks. Prototypes have gone through 487 flight tests in 19 locations, as well as 676 drive and walk tests. Features include compatibility with GPS, GLONASS and BDS; real-time tracking, popup notifications and SMS alerts; smart geo-fencing; drone whitelists/blacklists; base-station triangulation (cell ID); IMU, tilt, vibration sensor, and NFC; and offline mode. The new tracking system can identify the operating drones by displaying the drone itself, its serial number, the commercial frequency used, and motion details (speed, altitude, azimuth, path, etc.).

    Ibtechar, ibtechar.com

    Mapping Software

    User-friendly, cloud-based software

    Photo: DroneDeploy
    Photo: DroneDeploy

    DroneDeploy lets users capture, process and analyze data in one platform. Users can create high-resolution 2D and 3D interior and exterior maps and models accurate to between 1 cm and 5 cm. It is designed for individuals, teams or enterprises and is suitable for all use cases and industries. However, primary markets include agriculture, construction, mining, energy, roofing and inspection. Features include Mobile Flight App to capture images directly from
    an iOS or Android device; Live Map to create real-time, sharable
    2D maps; Autonomous Flight to preprogram routes; as well as
    360 Walkthrough for a 360-degree, virtual tour through a 3D model of a site. Industry-specific features are available, such as Plant Health to help farmers measure crop health and viability.

    DroneDeploy, dronedeploy.com